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Hot Holiday Looks for the Busy Mom

I thought I had finally gotten a handle on my crazy sleep-deprived life. I had finally figured out just how early I needed to rise to get myself, my toddler and my preschooler fed, cleaned up, dressed and out the door to face the morning preschool fashion parade (current wake up time is 5:30 a.m.). I will also admit to many a morning when I just slip into trainers, comfy hoodie and capris, a ballcap and sunglasses to do the whole preschool drop-off routine. (Which has actually turned into a total benefit—since I am already so very appropriately attired, I may as well get a little exercise!)

I have been meeting my friend Whitney at the park where we both stroll our littlest angels briskly along the paths while we catch up on the past days' events. This little jaunt through the park is often followed by a leisurely cup of something rejuvenating at the corner bistro afterward. (Life is all about rewards at this point!) I was commenting to Whitney just yesterday about how our morning walks were starting to pay off—I had finally been able to pull my new GoldSign jeans up over my hips (without performing a multitude of contortions) and actually fasten the buttons without fear of them popping off and putting out an eye. Whitney replied that she, too, had felt that she was shaping up quite nicely in the post-baby figure department. At least until that morning. Apparently, as she was getting out of the shower her phone rang and since she was expecting a call she grabbed a towel and raced into the bedroom to pick up. Too late, the caller had hung up. She turned to go back into the bathroom and there was her 3-year-old daughter, Sophie grinning from ear to ear. "Mommy, your bum wiggles like Jell-O when you run," Sophie announced before performing her own imitation of the jiggle-when-you-wiggle. (Hmmm, kids do say the darnedest things!) Needless to say, a comment like this will put a bit of a damper on one's morning routine. I quickly assured Whitney that even the hottest celebrities experience the jiggle effect (who doesn't?) and that's why someone very brilliant invented lycra, and why I will never go to a nude beach.

Back to getting a handle on my life. As I mentioned, things have been going quite nicely lately. I seem to have found my mommy groove. My son is loving preschool and my little angel daughter is finally through teething and sleeping through the night. My husband's new job is much closer to home so we get to see much more of him and I am finally back into my favorite jeans. So life is looking good. Or so I thought. Apparently it is mid-November and Thanksgiving is next week! I honestly thought I had another week to pull myself together! Yes, it's my turn to host the Family Thanksgiving Dinner, (important events are always capitalized in my family) and while I definitely know how to throw a great party, (or at least how to decorate for one!) I'm not so sure about being able to pull off the whole linen tablecloth, good china and crystal, turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie-fest that my mother so effortlessly does (and my sister-in-law totally desecrated last year when she ordered a catered meal and tried to pass it off as her own! The dear girl can barely pour cereal into a bowl, let alone prepare a twelve course gourmet roast turkey dinner with sweet potato brûlée! Besides, I saw the catering truck parked outside her house earlier.)

Since I'm not SuperMom (and don't aspire to be) and I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the holidays without slaving feverishly in a hot kitchen all day, I am going to do the sensible thing this year and start a new family tradition: food assignments! I can manage the roast turkey and stuffing, but I am farming out the rest of the meal to the attendees!. Let's see, Mom makes the most fabulous buttermilk rolls, my sister Jane is famous for her savory herbed mashed potatoes, my youngest sister can be counted on for a scrumptious mixed green salad and really has a way with sweet potatoes, Aunt Mary makes a mean string bean casserole, and my sister-in-law…well, my sister-in-law most likely has the number for Grandma's Pie Shoppe in her speed dial.

Now I can settle down to the truly important aspects of the holiday season: how a busy mom stays stylish during the busiest of seasons! The key here, dearest friends, is great key pieces which can be accessorized to achieve even greater impact.

Everyday Chic

• I absolutely adore skirts, but they are sometimes not user friendly when one is constantly bending over to pick up a toddler, or stooping down to soothe a fussy baby in a pram. This is where leggings or tights come in. Pair a chunky knit sweater with a short skirt, warm leggings and a fabulous pair of knee boots. Wrap a striped scarf 'round your neck, add a funky chain to your wrist and finish the look with a sturdy leather bag.
• If skirts aren't your thing, a pair of sassy cords or jeans will do the trick. Add a figure flattering turtleneck or crew neck sweater in an elegant silk or cashmere and top with a chic cropped jacket. To keep your tootsies warm but still stay stylish leave the Uggs at home and slip into a sleek pair of booties. Add a bit of sass with a great patent leather satchel.

Neighborhood Party Chic

• When all the other neighborhood mommies show up in their multi-colored Juicy sweatsuits you will be setting the style standard higher in a pair of fabulous wide legged trousers, a feminine figure skimming sweater and edgy platforms. Add a great pair of earrings, a bit of bling at the wrist and a great little handbag.
• Another stylish look is a sweaterdress paired with either leggings or skinny jeans. The leggings will give it a dressier look, especially worn with a chic pair of Mary Janes. For a more casual look go with the skinny jeans and boots. Accessorize with layered chains and perhaps a great belt to cinch your waist and a truly festive handbag.

Office Party Chic

• Whether it's your office party or your spouse's you will definitely want to put your most stylish foot forward. There are a few guidelines to follow: nothing too tight, too bare or too sexy. The office party is an extension of business, therefore you must remain professional in both manner and appearance. A great pair of tuxedo style trousers and a sleek top, paired with a metallic jacket is a great choice. Choose footwear and a handbag that is chic and sophisticated. Accessorize with a unique necklace or bracelet.
• Another option would be a great party dress; stay away from anything bare, plunging or too short (business, remember?) A wrap dress would be very chic, as well as appropriately festive. For footwear I would go with a classic pump, but perhaps kick it up a little with embellishment or texture. Finish with an early holiday gift to yourself, this gorgeous necklace.

Good Things for Any Season:

• I have discovered the wonder of wonders and want to share it with you! LM Naturals Stretch Mark Oil. How did I ever live without it? I have been using it for a couple of months now and can already see a difference! It makes my skin feel so incredibly smooth too. In fact, I have been using it on my elbows, knees, heels and any other overly rough patches for an intense moisturizing effect.
• The "Emily" diaper bag from Jimeale. (This is the bag that Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen are using for their little darling!) Absolutely gorgeous and so very practical with two side pockets for bottles, a padded shoulder strap and interior compartments galore! Right now Jimeale is offering 20% off, free shipping and a free gift for She She Me shoppers! Just enter code shesheme at checkout.
• Family Jewels from B.Dazzled! A one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry created from the fingerprint of a loved one. What a fabulous way to keep your little ones close to your heart. (This would make the perfect holiday gift for a doting nana!)
• The Conair Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Styler—the best hair dryer I have ever used! It dries my hair quickly, without leaving it frizzy. My hair has tons of body and is so much more manageable. I adore this dryer!
• Bliss Merry Citrus Gift Set. This adorably packaged spa-at-home set makes the perfect holiday gift for teachers, co-workers and girlfriends!

Well dears, this has been quite the little missive, but I just had so much to share! I hope it brings you a little holiday cheer and may the season be filled with joy for you and your loved ones!

xoxo,

Pretty Mama

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